5 Tips for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on September 24, 2015

Pregnant? Congratulations! When you’re expecting a baby, many things change such as the way you feel, the way you think, and even the way you eat. Everyone should listen to their body, especially while it’s building a new life. Fighting the body’s natural demands during pregnancy is not beneficial to you or your bun in the oven. For example, resting is a natural demand of a pregnant body, but too often ignored. Learn the first 4 Tips for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy below and enjoy this time of your life, you’ll be holding your baby soon.

#1. The dreaded morning sickness

This is the most common question I get from expectant moms and there are a few things to do to alleviate the nausea and vomiting that can be associated with pregnancy.

Take vitamin B6

Pyridoxine is one of the many B’s that we need for optimal health. And this one specifically helps with adrenal fatigue as well as morning sickness.

Combine Vitamin C and Vitamin K3

There have been lots of studies on this combination for morning sickness and many women experience immediate alleviation. Take 25 mgs of Vitamin C and 5 mgs of K3 (or K2 or K1) for 30 days and you should feel a whole lot better.

Eat ginger

As many of you know, ginger is anti-nausea, so eat it, drink it, or suck on a ginger candy for immediate help.

Take probiotics

It’s the number one thing to help the gut in general so make sure you’re taking them.

Eat frequently

Eating small, frequent meals can help with feeling nauseous. Focus on proteins so it can balance your blood sugar and potential sugar cravings.

#2. Please sleep

This is super important. Your body is working really hard to create a new human and needs the healing, restoring, and rejuvenating shut-eye time. Ideally 7-9 hours a night in TOTAL darkness (see this post) as to why.

#3. Move your beautiful body

Our bodies are meant to move, even when pregnant, and its super important to keep in shape while pregnant, as it will help with the birthing process.

So running, walking, yoga, and stretching are all super awesome.

#4. Stick with whole foods

Nutrition during pregnancy is so important. Listen to your body and your cravings. Focus on veggies, fruits, meat from local sources, gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa, nuts, seeds, beans, omega 3’s, and avoid sugar and processed foods…pretty please.

This is not a ticket for a free ride to over consume. This is the ticket to pay attention to how you feel, what you crave, while still eating foods that you know add health.

Shop the periphery. Shop local.

Dr. Della Parker is a Portland Naturopathic doctor practicing holistic medicine. A doctor using holistic medicine will understand that there can be many causes of a headache, for example. While an aspirin or a natural remedy may help the pain, there is likely an underlying problem that will cause the headache to return. There is also the possibility that the headache could turn into a more serious health problem, if left untreated. Contact Dr. Della Parker if holistic medicine sounds like the path for you and your journey towards healthy living at (503) 344-6631.

SRC: Learn the 5th tip for a healthy and happy pregnancy at: www.drtandacook.com/pregnancy-guide/